Angel di Maria joined Rosario Central again, 12 months after he and his family received a series of threats that warned him not to return to the club he started his career
An emotional angel di Maria could not stop the tears when he joined his youth club Rosario Central again. Di Maria started his professional career at Rosario Central in 2005, before he played for Benfica, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Juventus.
The return of the 37-year-old to Argentina was announced in May, but he stayed with Benfica for the club World Cup, where they reached the last 16 before they were eliminated by Chelsea. Di Maria was close to Rosario Central last summer at Rosario Central, but a series of threats ended those plans.
“There was a threat in my sister's company, a box with the head of a pig and a bullet on the forehead, and a note that said that when I returned to [Rosario] Central, the next head was that of my daughter Pia, “Di Maria told the local media last July.
“Those months were terrible. We could only sit there and cry every night to bring back that dream.”
Only 12 months later Di Maria was able to fulfill his dream and the winger broke into tears while he was officially unveiled on Monday. “I am proud of everything I have achieved so far, but this moment is exceeding everything,” he said.
“It is very special for me to be able to come home for so long – so many years. Being able to return to Rosario with my family, to pull the central shirt again and to make the fans happy again means everything.
“It is something I had dreamed of for a long time. I wanted it to happen earlier, but unfortunately it was not possible. But that is in the past, and I am here now.
“I am happy, with my family, and this is what I wanted. I had the opportunity to meet, train all my new teammates, to wear the club shirt again and play for this great club again.”
Di Maria also revealed that prior to his return with Lionel Messi he spoke and added: “I spoke with him and with many of the boys in the national team because it is clear that I have a very good relationship with all.
“When I didn't come last year, they supported me; they are more than friends, they are like brothers. I am happy. Leo wrote me, let a few days pass, he knew my dream was known and told me he was very happy. He congratulated me and wished me the best.”